Australia fair? Sports stars given a grilling Down Under

Fan meets fan – Fans take a moment to cool off as temperatures sore at the recent Australian Open.

Hide Caption

1 of 6

Sporting passion across the globe6 photos

Backing Bernard – These spectators are offering their full backing to Australian No. 1 Bernard Tomic. The 20-year-old recently beat world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in a tournament prior to the Australian Open, but not all Australian sports fans are convinced by his talents.

Hide Caption

2 of 6

Sporting passion across the globe6 photos

Samba support – Football is famed for the passion of its fans. Brazilian club Corinthians took over 20,000 supporters to the recent FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. It paid off as the South American champions won the competition for the second time in their history.

Hide Caption

3 of 6

Sporting passion across the globe6 photos

Getting into the spirit – The current Africa Cup of Nations tournament is another example of football fans getting into the spirit of a competition. This fan went further than most during a match between Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hide Caption

4 of 6

Sporting passion across the globe6 photos

Raving Ravens – Baltimore Ravens fans display a huge depiction of star linebacker Ray Lewis. They will be hoping Lewis can lead the Ravens to glory at Super Bowl XLVII this weekend, when their opponents will be the San Francisco 49ers.

Hide Caption

5 of 6

Sporting passion across the globe6 photos

Tour de force – The annual Tour de France cycling race is a grueling marathon which is widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges in sport. Fans from all over the world gather and line the course in their thousands, often penning chalked messages of support on the road.

Hide Caption

6 of 6

Story highlights

Australia is world renowned as a country which is passionate about sport

But the 20-year-old is not universally rated by the country's sport fans

Are Australian sports fans the toughest in the world? They would certainly give the English football press a run for their money. They don't like you if you're too good. But they can't abide if you're rubbish either.

Admittedly I have only been in the country for five days. And with an office full of Australian cameraman, I'm more than aware that I'm putting myself in line for some thoroughly unflattering camera angles in the days to come. But this is what I have learned.

Take "Tall Poppy Syndrome" for starters. It's a new phrase I've discovered. The urban dictionary says it's Australian slang to criticize highly successful people and cut them down to size.

I was taught it by virtually the only fan supporting Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Open women's final at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night. It was her explanation for the icy reception the Belorussian received.

Yes, Vika had upset a few people with her medical time out in her semi. But she'd fronted up to all the questions she was asked, and admitted she'd made a mistake.

Photos: Australian Open 223 photos

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning the men's singles final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday, January 27. Djokovic won 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2.

Hide Caption

1 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup on January 27.

Hide Caption

2 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic hits a return against Murray on January 27.

Hide Caption

3 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic plays a backhand on January 27.

Hide Caption

4 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Murray plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 27.

Hide Caption

5 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic serves to Murray at Melbourne Park on January 27.

Hide Caption

6 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Murray reacts to a point on January 27.

Hide Caption

7 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Murray wipes his face during his men's final match against Djokovic on January 27.

Hide Caption

8 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Murray receives medical attention to his foot on January 27.

Hide Caption

9 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Crowds cheer during the men's singles final match on January 27.

Hide Caption

10 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic plays a forehand on January 27.

Hide Caption

11 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic plays a smash forehand on January 27.

Hide Caption

12 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Murray plays a backhand on January 27.

Hide Caption

13 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Murray plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 27.

Hide Caption

14 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Four-time Australian Open men's singles champion Andre Agassi carries the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup before the men's final match on January 27.

Hide Caption

15 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Murray plays a forehand on January 27.

Hide Caption

16 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Victoria Azarenka of Belarus poses with the winner's trophy after defending her Australian Open title on Saturday, January 26. Azarenka defeated Na Li of China 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Hide Caption

17 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates winning her women's final match.

Hide Caption

18 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Li Na plays a forehand in her women's final match against Belarus Azarenka.

Hide Caption

19 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Belarus Azarenka hits a return during the women's final, which she won 4-6 6-4 6-3.

Hide Caption

20 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Li Na falls for the second time during her women's final match.

Hide Caption

21 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Benlarus Azarenka reaches for a forehand during Saturday's final.

Hide Caption

22 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Li Na rips a forehand Saturday. Li was also a finalist in the 2011 Australian Open.

Hide Caption

23 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Belarus Azarenka, who retained her world No. 1 ranking, serves in Saturday's final.

Hide Caption

24 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Mike Bryan, left, and his brother, Bob Bryan, of the U.S. celebrate after their victory over the Netherlands' Robin Haase and Igor Sibling during the men's doubles final January 26.

Hide Caption

25 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Robin Haase plays a forehand in Saturday's doubles match against the Bryan brothers.

Hide Caption

26 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Bob Bryan reaches for an overhead in the men's doubles final.

Hide Caption

27 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Nick Kyrgios of Australia serves in his junior boys' final match against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia on January 26. Kyrgios captured the boys singles title in straight sets.

Hide Caption

28 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stephane Houdet of France plays a forehand in his men's wheelchair singles final match on January 26 against Shingo Kunieda of Japan. Kunieda won 6-2 6-0.

Hide Caption

29 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sabine Ellerbrock of Germany plays a backhand in her wheelchair singles final against Aniek Van Koot of the Netherlands on January 26. Van Koot took the title with a 6-1 1-6 7-5 victory.

Hide Caption

30 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic plays a forehand in her junior girls' final match against Ana Konjuh of Croatia on Saturday. Konjuh won the championship 6-4 6-4.

Hide Caption

31 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand in his semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on January 25. Murray defeated Federer 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-2.

Hide Caption

32 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Ashley Barty of Australia, right, watches as compatriot Casey Dellacqua plays a return during their women's doubles final against Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy on day 12 of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Friday, January 25. The Italian pair beat Barty and Dellacqua 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

Hide Caption

33 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Na Li of China pauses during a news conference on January 25.

Hide Caption

34 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy celebrate winning their final doubles match against Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua of Australia on January 25.

Hide Caption

35 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A supporter of Britain's Andy Murray watches during his men's singles semifinal match against Switzerland's Roger Federer on January 25.

Hide Caption

36 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand on January 25.

Hide Caption

37 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand on January 25.

Hide Caption

38 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Italy's Roberta Vinci, left, and Sara Errani pose with the winner's trophy after their victory over Australia's Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua on January 25.

Hide Caption

39 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray of Great Britain takes a breather in his semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on January 25.

Hide Caption

40 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray of Great Britain and Roger Federer of Switzerland play their semifinal match in Rod Laver Arena on January 25.

Hide Caption

41 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a semifinal match against Andy Murray of Great Britain on January 25.

Hide Caption

42 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Roger Federer hits a return on January 25.

Hide Caption

43 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a forehand on January 25.

Hide Caption

44 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning his semifinal match against David Ferrer of Spain during the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday, January 24. Djokovic won 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.

Hide Caption

45 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic signs autographs for fans on January 24.

Hide Caption

46 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sloane Stephens of the U.S. reacts during her women's singles semifinal match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on January 24. Azarenka won 6-1, 6-4.

Hide Caption

47 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Na Li of China plays a forehand in her semifinal match against Maria Sharapova of Russia on January 24. Li won 6-2, 6-2.

Hide Caption

48 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A tennis fan sits in the stands during Day 11 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24.

Hide Caption

49 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Li plays a forehand on January 24.

Hide Caption

50 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sharapova plays a return against Li on January 24.

Hide Caption

51 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Ferrer plays a backhand on January 24.

Hide Caption

52 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stephens plays a return against Azarenka on January 24.

Hide Caption

53 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic reacts after a point against Ferrer on January 24.

Hide Caption

54 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Fans watch the men's semifinal match between Ferrer and Djokovic on January 24.

Hide Caption

55 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Azarenka plays a forehand against Stephens on January 24.

Hide Caption

56 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Brothers Bob, left, and Mike Bryan battle Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini of Italy in a doubles semifinal match on January 24. The brothers won 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.

Hide Caption

57 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stephens plays a return on January 24.

Hide Caption

58 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Ferrer plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 24.

Hide Caption

59 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic plays a backhand against Ferrer on January 24.

Hide Caption

60 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stephens pauses during her match against Azarenka on January 24.

Hide Caption

61 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sloane Stephens of the U.S. celebrates after beating compatriot Serena Williams, who was favored to win the tournament, during their women's singles match on Day 10 of the 2013 Australian Open in Melbourne on Wednesday, January 23. Stephens won 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Hide Caption

62 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stephens plays a backhand in her quarterfinal match against Williams on January 23.

Hide Caption

63 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Williams stares down the ball during her match on January 23 against Stephens.

Hide Caption

64 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Williams broke her racket while playing Stephens on January 23.

Hide Caption

65 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Williams stretches across the court on January 23.

Hide Caption

66 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Italy's Sara Errani plays a backhand in her women's doubles quarterfinal match with compatriot Roberta Vinci against Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina of Russia on January 23. Errani and Vinci won 6-2, 6-4.

Photos: Australian Open – Federer plays a backhand to Tsonga on January 23.

Hide Caption

71 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Victoria Azarenka of Belarus hits a return against Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova on January 23. Azarenka defeated Kuznetsova 7-5, 6-1.

Hide Caption

72 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Kuznetsova serves during her match against Azarenka on January 23.

Hide Caption

73 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Azarenka receives a towel during her match on January 23.

Hide Caption

74 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Novak Djokovic of Serbia stretches for the ball in his quarterfinal match against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic on Tuesday, January 22. Djokovic won 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Hide Caption

75 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Fans watch Djokovic and Berdych play on January 22.

Hide Caption

76 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Berdych plays a backhand in his match against Djokovic on January 22.

Hide Caption

77 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Spain's David Ferrer watches the ball during his men's singles match against compatriot Nicolas Almagro on January 22. Ferrer defeated Almagro 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-2.

Hide Caption

78 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Almagro reaches to smash the ball while playing Ferrer on January 22.

Hide Caption

79 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Na Li of China hits a return against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in their quarterfinal match on January 22. Li won 7-5, 6-3.

Hide Caption

80 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Radwanska stretches for a forehand while playing Li on January 22.

Hide Caption

81 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Li serves in her match against Radwanska on January 22.

Hide Caption

82 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Russian Maria Sharapova plays a forehand in her quarterfinal match against fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova on January 22. Sharapova won 6-2, 6-2.

Hide Caption

83 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Makarova goes airborne in her match against Sharapova on January 22.

Hide Caption

84 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – American Serena Williams hits a return against Russia's Maria Kirilenko during their women's singles match on Day Eight on Monday, January 21. Williams won 6-2, 6-0.

Hide Caption

85 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

PAustralian Open – Kirilenko plays a backhand against Williams on January 21.

Hide Caption

86 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France celebrates winning his fourth-round match against fellow French player Richard Gasquet on January 21. The final score was 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Hide Caption

87 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – American Sloane Stephens makes a return against Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia on January 21. Stephens defeated Jovanovski 6-1, 3-6, 7-5.

Hide Caption

88 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Bojana Jovanovski serves to Sloane Stephens on January 21.

Hide Caption

89 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Roger Federer of Switzerland serves in his fourth-round match against Canadian Milos Raonic on January 21. Federer won 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2.

Hide Caption

90 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia hits a backhand in her fourth-round match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark on January 21. Kuznetsova defeated Wozniacki 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.

Hide Caption

91 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A ball kid displays Australian Open tennis balls during a match on January 21 at Melbourne Park.

Hide Caption

92 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Jeremy Chardy of France serves in his fourth-round match against Italy's Andreas Seppi on January 21. Chardy defeated Seppi 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Hide Caption

93 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andreas Seppi plays a backhand against Jeremy Chardy on January 21.

Hide Caption

94 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark returns a backhand in her fourth-round match against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia on January 21. Kuznetsova won 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.

Hide Caption

95 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Caroline Wozniacki hits a return against Svetlana Kuznetsova on January 21.

Hide Caption

96 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Caroline Wozniacki serves in her January 21 match against Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Hide Caption

97 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Svetlana Kuznetsova shows off a tattoo on January 21.

Hide Caption

98 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a return during his men's singles match against Serbian Novak Djokovic on Sunday, January 20, Day Seven of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. Wawrinka lost 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 12-10.

Hide Caption

99 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Djokovic celebrates his narrow victory January 20 against Wawrinka.

Hide Caption

100 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Spain's David Ferrer hits a return against Japan's Kei Nishikori during their men's singles match on January 20. Ferrer won 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.

Hide Caption

101 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Nishikori reacts during his match against Ferrer on January 20 as a ballgirl watches.

Hide Caption

102 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Ferrer plays a forehand against Nishikori on January 20.

Hide Caption

103 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Venus and Serena Williams of the U.S. are congratulated by Russian Nadia Petrova and Slovenian Katarina Srebotnik after winning their third-round doubles match on January 20.

Hide Caption

104 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Maria Sharapova of Russia serves in her fourth-round match against Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium on January 20. Sharapova defeated Flipkens 6-1, 6-0.

Hide Caption

105 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Sharapova serves in her fourth-round match against Flipkens.

Hide Caption

106 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – German Julia Goerges, left, congratulates Na Li of China on winning their fourth-round match 7-6 (6), 6-1 on January 20.

Hide Caption

107 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Mike Bryan of the U.S. plays a forehand in his third-round doubles match with his twin, Bob Bryan, against Jeremy Chardy of France and Lukasz Kubot of Poland on January 20. The Bryans won 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3.

Hide Caption

108 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic looks at his wrapped foot during a break in his men's singles match against Spain's Nicolas Almagro on January 20. Almagro moved on to the next round after Tipsarevic pulled out of the match in the second set because of his injury.

Hide Caption

109 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Kevin Anderson of South Africa prepares to serve in his fourth-round match against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic on January 20. Berdych won 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (13).

Hide Caption

110 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Photos: Australian Open – Huge crowds gather at Federation Square to watch Bernard Tomic of Australia play Roger Federer of Switzerland on Saturday, January 19. Federer won 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-1.

Hide Caption

111 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Gael Monfils of France twists around to return the ball in his third-round match against compatriot Gilles Simon on Saturday, January 19. Simon defeated Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 1-6, 8-6.

Hide Caption

112 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Britain's Andy Murray plays a forehand in his third-round match against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania on January 19.

Hide Caption

113 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Maria Kirilenko of Russia celebrates match point in her third round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belarus on January 19.

Hide Caption

114 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray serves in his match against Berankis.

Hide Caption

115 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina rests in between points in his third-round match against Jeremy Chardy of France.

Hide Caption

116 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany serves in his third round match against Milos Raonic of Canada.

Hide Caption

117 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Maria Kirilenko of Russia serves in her third-round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium on January 19.

Hide Caption

118 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Laura Robson of Britain plays a forehand in her third-round match against Sloane Stephens of the United States on January 19.

Hide Caption

119 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serena Williams of the United States reacts in her third-round match against Ayumi Morita of Japan on January 19.

Hide Caption

120 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Maria Kirilenko of Russia plays a forehand in her third-round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belarus.

Hide Caption

121 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Mansour Bahrami of Iran warms up for a doubles match on January 19. He and Wayne Ferreira of South Africa faced Australians Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.

Hide Caption

122 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina serves in his third round match against Jeremy Chardy of France.

Hide Caption

123 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A ball kid throws a tennis ball in the third round match between Jeremy Chardy of France and Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina.

Hide Caption

124 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays a forehand in her third-round match against Jamie Hampton of the United States.

Hide Caption

125 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Ayumi Morita of Japan serves in her third round match against Serena Williams of the United States, on January 19. Williams won the match 6-1, 6-3.

Hide Caption

126 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serena Williams of the United States plays a backhand in her third round match against Ayumi Morita of Japan, on January 19.

Hide Caption

127 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia signs autographs for fans after winning her third round match against Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan, on January 19. The final match score was 6-2, 7-6, tie-breaker 7-3.

Hide Caption

128 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – The racquets of Bob Bryan of the United States and Mike Bryan of the United States cross as they compete in their men's second round doubles match against Flavio Cipolla of Italy and Andreas Seppi of Italy on Friday, January 18. The Bryan brothers won 6-3, 6-4.

Hide Caption

129 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves against Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic during their men's singles match on Day Five of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, January 18. Djokovic won 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.

Hide Caption

130 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic plays a forehand in his third-round match against Stepanek on January 18.

Hide Caption

131 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic plays a backhand in his third round match against Jurgen Melzer of Austria on January 18. Berdych won 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Hide Caption

132 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Clouds loom over the stadium in Melbourne Park as Berdych and Melzer compete in their third-round match on January 18.

Hide Caption

133 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stepanek reacts after a shot on January 18.

Hide Caption

134 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Ana Ivanovic of Serbia serves in her third-round match against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia on January 18. Ivanovic won 7-5, 6-3.

Hide Caption

135 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts after beating Venus Williams of the U.S. during their women's singles match on January 18. Sharapova won 6-1, 6-3.

Hide Caption

136 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sorana Cirstea of Romania plays a forehand in her third-round match against Na Li of China on January 18. Li won 6-4, 6-1.

Hide Caption

137 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Alex Bolt of Australia plays a backhand in his third-round doubles match with Greg Jones of Australia against Daniele Bracciali of Italy and Lukas Dlouhy of Czech Republic on January 18. Bracciali and Dlouhy won 6-2, 7-6 (4).

Hide Caption

138 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sharapova serves against Williams during their women's singles match on January 18.

Hide Caption

139 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Fernando Verdasco of Spain plays a forehand in his third-round match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on January 18. Anderson won 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2.

Hide Caption

140 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Stepanek hits a return against Djokovic during their men's singles match on January 18.

Hide Caption

141 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Anderson serves in his third-round match against Verdasco on January 18.

Hide Caption

142 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Anderson plays a forehand in his third-round match against Verdasco on January 18.

Hide Caption

143 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Williams plays a backhand in her third-round match against Sharapova on January 18.

Hide Caption

144 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Berdych plays a return during his men's singles match against Melzer on January 18.

Hide Caption

145 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Williams hits a return against Sharapova on January 18.

Hide Caption

146 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus hits a return against David Ferrer of Spain during their men's singles match on January 18. Ferrer won, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

Hide Caption

147 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Baghdatis plays a backhand during his third-round match against Ferrer on January 18.

Hide Caption

148 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Jankovic plays a backhand in her third round match against Ivanovic on January 18.

Hide Caption

149 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Sorana Cirstea of Romania plays a backhand in her third-round match against Na Li of China on January 18.

Hide Caption

150 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Na serves against Cirstea on January 18.

Hide Caption

151 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland plays a forehand in her third-round match against Heather Watson of Great Britain on January 18. Radwanska won 6-3, 6-1.

Hide Caption

152 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Watson serves in her third-round match against Radwanska on Januray 18.

Hide Caption

153 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Spectators gather ahead of the start of play on the fifth day of the Australian Open on January 18.

Hide Caption

154 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Germany's Angelique Kerber hits a return against Madison Keys of the United States during their women's singles match on January 18. Kerber won 6-2, 7-5.

Hide Caption

155 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Keys plays a forehand in her third-round match against Kerber on January 18.

Hide Caption

156 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Ball kids dry the court during a rain delay on January 18.

Hide Caption

157 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – China's Zheng Jie plays a return during her women's singles match against Germany's Julia Goerges on January 18. Goerges won 6-3, 1-6, 7-5.

Hide Caption

158 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Goerges plays a return during her women's singles match against Zheng on January 18.

Hide Caption

159 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serena Williams of the U.S. holds her mouth after hitting herself with her racket during her women's singles match against Garbine Muguruza Blanco of Spain during Day Four of the 2013 Australian Open on Thursday, January 17, in Melbourne, Australia. Williams won 6-2, 6-0.

Hide Caption

160 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Williams plays a return during her women's singles match against Muguruza Blanco on January 17.

Hide Caption

161 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Maria Kirilenko of Russia stretches for a forehand in her second-round match against Shuai Peng of China on January 17. Kirilenko won 7-5, 6-2.

Hide Caption

162 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a forehand in his second-round match against Daniel Brands of Germany during Day Four of the 2013 Australian Open on January 17. Tomic narrowly defeated Brands 6-7 (4), 7-5, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (8).

Hide Caption

163 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Tomic twists around to get a return during his men's singles match against Brands on January 17.

Hide Caption

164 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, left, shakes hands with Croatian Donna Vekic on January 17 after defeating her 6-1, 6-4.

Hide Caption

165 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Spectators cheer for Croatia's Marin Cilic during his men's singles match against Rajeev Ram of the U.S. on January 17. Cilic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-4.

Hide Caption

166 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray of Britain plays a backhand in his second-round match against Joao Sousa of Portugal on January 17. Murray defeated Sousa 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.

Hide Caption

167 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A young spectator cools off by standing in front of a water vapor machine. Temperatures reached 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Hide Caption

168 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Victoria Azarenka of Belarus serves in her second-round match against Eleni Daniilidou of Greece on January 17. Azarenka defeated Daniilidou 6-1, 6-0.

Australian Open – Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand in his second round match against Ryan Harrison of USA during on Wednesday, January 16. Djokovic defeated Harrison 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.

Hide Caption

171 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Harrison plays a return during his men's singles match against Djokovic on January 16.

Hide Caption

172 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Djokovic gestures to the crowd as he celebrates victory over Harrison on January 16.

Hide Caption

173 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic hits a return against Slovakia's Lukas Lacko during their men's singles match on January 16. Tipsarevic won in five sets, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5.

Hide Caption

174 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A ball girl catches the ball on an outside court late in the day on January 16.

Hide Caption

175 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania, left, plays a forehand in her second round match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on January 16. Radwanska won 6-3 6-3.

Hide Caption

176 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Brian Baker of the United States covers his head after injuring his knee in his second round match against compatriot Sam Querrey on January 16. After winning the first set in a tie breaker, Baker dropped out of the match two games into the second set.

Hide Caption

177 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus serves in his second round match against Tatsuma Ito of Japan on January 16. Baghdatis won 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Hide Caption

178 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Tim Smyczek of the United States plays a return during his men's singles match against Spain's David Ferrer on January 16. Ferrer defeated Smyczek 6-0 7-5 4-6 6-3.

Hide Caption

179 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serbian Ana Ivanovic serves in her second round match against Yung-Jan Chan of Taipei on January 16. Ivanovic won 7-5 1-6 6-4.

Hide Caption

180 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand in his first-round match against Benoit Paire of France during Day 2 of the 2013 Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday, January 15. Federer defeated Paire 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.

Australian Open – The courts at Melbourne Park are lit for night play during day two of the tournament on January 15.

Hide Caption

183 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – France's Gael Monfils reaches for a return during his men's singles match against Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov on January 15. Monfils defeated Dolgopolov 6-7(7), 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-3.

Hide Caption

184 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Monfils, right, plays a return to Dolgopolov during their singles match on January 15.

Hide Caption

185 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium celebrates winning a point in her first-round match against Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia on January 15. Wickmayer defeated Gajdosova 6-1, 7-5.

Hide Caption

186 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Gajdosova of Australia struggles to get up after a play during her first-round match against Wickmayer of Belgium on January 15.

Hide Caption

187 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – France's Richard Gasquet plays a return during his men's singles match against Albert Montanes of Spain on January 15. Gasquet defeated Montanes 7-5, 6-2, 6-1.

Hide Caption

188 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a backhand in his first-round match against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina on January 15. Tomic defeated Mayer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

Hide Caption

189 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum reacts after a point against Hungary's Timea Babos during their women's singles first-round match on January 15. Kumkhum defeated Babos 7-6(5), 6-4.

Hide Caption

190 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Andy Murray of Great Britain serves in his first-round match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands on January 15. Murray defeated Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.

Hide Caption

191 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark plays a backhand in her first-round match against Sara Errani of Italy on January 15. Wozniacki defeated Lisicki 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Hide Caption

192 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – John-Patrick Smith of Australia plays a forehand on January 15 during his first-round match against Joao Sousa of Portugal. Sousa defeated Smith 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.

Hide Caption

193 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A juggler entertains the crowd as they wait to enter the grounds at Melbourne Park for Day 2 of the Australian Open.

Hide Caption

194 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A fan gets ready for the Australian Open on January 15.

Hide Caption

195 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serena Williams of the United States falls to the court during her first-round match against Romania's Edina Gallovits-Hall on January 15.

Hide Caption

196 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serena Williams of the United States is helped off the court on January 15 after injuring her ankle. Williams defeated Gallovits-Hall 6-0, 6-0.

Hide Caption

197 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays a forehand in her first-round match against Monica Niculescu of Romania on January 15. Azarenka defeated Niculescu 6-1, 6-4.

Hide Caption

198 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Great Britain's Andy Murray plays a forehand against Robin Haase of the Netherlands on Day 2 of the Australian Open. Murray defeated Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. Murray won 6-3 6-1 6-3.

Hide Caption

199 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Participants work up a sweat during a pre-match cardio workout on January 15.

Hide Caption

200 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia plays a backhand in her first-round match against Ashleigh Barty of Australia during the 2013 Australian Open on Monday, January 14. Cibulkova won 3-6 6-0 6-1.

Hide Caption

201 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Lleyton Hewitt of Australia plays a backhand in his first-round match against Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia on January 14. Hewitt lost 7-6(4) 7-5 6-3.

Hide Caption

202 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – The crowd watches the January 14 match between Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic.

Hide Caption

203 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Australia's Casey Dellacqua serves against Madison Keys of the United States during their first-round match on January 14. Keys defeated Dellacqua 6-4 7-6(0).

Hide Caption

204 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – A saturated spectator watches the action on Day 1 of the Australian Open.

Hide Caption

205 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Spain's David Ferrer falls to the ground after playing a shot in his first-round match against Belgium's Olivier Rochus on January 14. Ferrer won 6-3 6-4 6-2.

Hide Caption

206 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Samantha Stosur of Australia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Kai-Chen Chang of Taiwan on January 14. Stosur won 7-6(3) 6-3.

Hide Caption

207 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – David Goffin of Belgium plays a forehand in his first-round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain on January 14. Verdasco defeated Goffin 6-3 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4.

Hide Caption

208 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serbia's Ana Ivanovic plays a forehand during her first-round match on January 14 against Hungary's Melinda Czink. Ivanovic won 6-2 6-1.

Hide Caption

209 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia celebrates winning a point in his first-round match against Lleyton Hewitt of Australia on January 14. Tipsarevic won 7-6(4) 7-5 6-3.

Hide Caption

210 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Serbia's Novak Djokovic signs autographs for supporters on January 14 after a victory against France's Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Hide Caption

211 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Cyprus's Marcos Baghdatis hits a return against Spain's Albert Ramos on January 14. Baghdatis won 6-7(0) 7-6(4) 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Hide Caption

212 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Casey Dellacqua of Australia serves in her January 14 match against Madison Keys of the United States. Keys won 6-4 7-6(0).

Hide Caption

213 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Venus Williams of the United States serves against Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan on January 14. Williams won 6-1 6-0.

Hide Caption

214 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Maria Sharapova of Russia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Olga Puchkova of Russia on January 14. Sharapova won 6-0 6-0 in less than an hour.

Hide Caption

215 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Australia's Samantha Stosur plays a return to Taiwan's Kai-Chen Chang during their women's singles match on January 14. Stosur won 7-6(3) 6-3.

Hide Caption

216 of 223

Photos: Australian Open223 photos

Australian Open – Australian tennis fans enjoy the atmosphere during the women's first-round match on January 14 between Sesil Karatantcheva of Poland and Na Li of China. Li won 6-1 6-3.

Green Moon wins Melbourne Cup – Green Moon seen contesting the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. On the first Tuesday of November, millions of Australians drop whatever they're doing to watch the Melbourne Cup, an annual race that dates back to 1861. It's for horses over three years old and attracts some of the best racehorses in the world.

Hide Caption

3 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Prince Charles, Prince of Wales greets a racegoer on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 6, 2012.

Hide Caption

4 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales are in Australia on the second leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand.

Hide Caption

5 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Racegoers in the members area study the form on Melbourne Cup Day. Twenty-four horses will charge around the 3200 meter track for a total prize pool of $6 million and Australian fame and glory.

Hide Caption

6 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Entrants line up for the "Fashion on the Field" competition, which typically attracts more than 1,100 male and female "clothes horses." Competitors are judged on originality, accessories and their understanding of current trends. Prizes include a Lexus convertible.

Hide Caption

7 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – A racegoer watches the horses in the parade ring on Melbourne Cup Day on November 6, 2012. There's a public holiday in the state of Victoria each year on race day. Huge crowds go to the track while others hold parties at home and in restaurants, bars and clubs.

Hide Caption

8 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Crowds watch on from under umbrellas as rain starts to fall during 2012 Melbourne Cup Day. The day is a mix of formal attire featuring creative hats and comical outfits.

Hide Caption

9 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – These racegoers toast the day ahead of the main race. Ten races are being run throughout the day, over varying distances.

Hide Caption

10 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Horses jump from the barrier in the Lavazza Long Black during 2012 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 6, 2012.

Hide Caption

11 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – This is what they're all competing for: The Melbourne Cup. It's shown here during the annual Melbourne Cup Parade through the city on November 5.

Hide Caption

12 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Children dressed as jockeys take a break before the parade starts on November 5, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.

Hide Caption

13 of 14

Australia stops for Melbourne Cup14 photos

Melbourne Cup 2012 – Track riders head out for a trackwork session ahead of the big day,on November 5, Melbourne, Australia.

Hide Caption

14 of 14

EXPAND GALLERY

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit 14 photos

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit – Mark Webber speaking to reporters in Sao Paulo ahead of his final Formula One race at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hide Caption

1 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Paddock life – "I wouldn't say I'm happy in the Formula 1 paddock," Mark Webber told CNN. "It's an environment that's not always real. You can click your fingers for food, for whatever you want really. But for me, I always try to ensure that I treat people as I'd treat myself.

Hide Caption

2 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Pole in the Principality – Mark Webber led the way from pole on the way to his eventual victory at the Monaco Grand Prix -- his first win of the season.

Hide Caption

3 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Monaco moment – Webber takes a post-race dip as the Red Bull team celebrate another Monaco GP triumph in May. It was the second time in three years that Webber had won the sport's prestigious race.

Hide Caption

4 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Champagne supernova – Red Bull's Australian driver Mark Webber celebrates after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone -- his second victory of the 2012 season. The Australian held off Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in a close battle to win the race.

Hide Caption

5 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Red Bull's golden boy – Webber is very much the understudy to double world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is seemingly on his way to a third consecutive world title.

Hide Caption

6 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Red Bull politics – Vettel has long been nurtured by Helmut Marko, titled a motorsport consultant at Red Bull but the eyes, ears and mouth piece of team owner Dietrich Mateschitz, and a figure Webber has not always seen eye to eye with.

Hide Caption

7 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Red Bull reward – Two days after his second win of the season at Silverstone in the British Grand Prix, Webber penned a new deal with Red Bull Racing, extending his contract with the team to the end of the 2013 season.

Hide Caption

8 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Ferrari interest – Before extending his Red Bull contract, Webber had talks with Ferrari over a possible switch to the Italian team. "Ferrari approached us first," said the Australian. "Things happen for a reason and it feels I'm staying here for the right reason. We made the decision just before Silverstone when both teams seemed pretty interested. I'm happy with that decision."

Hide Caption

9 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

On your bike – Webber's first love was for motorbikes, and he used to race them as a youngster, before turning to go-karts when he was a teenager.

Hide Caption

10 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

It's go time – Webber switched to karting as a 14-year-old and the move paid instant dividends as he won his state championship in New South Wales. The Australian describes the medium as "very raw."

Hide Caption

11 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Big break – Webber started off in Formula One as a test driver for the former Bennetton team in 2001 and got his big break in the form of a race seat with Minardi the following season.

Hide Caption

12 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Straight from the kart – Webber still looks fondly upon his time as a go-kart driver and recently took to the seat again as part of the Red Bull Kart Fight event in Japan.

Hide Caption

13 of 14

Mark Webber: From kart to cockpit14 photos

Home is where the kart is – Webber says: "Karting is the best way for you to get a feel of how to race each other, dealing with the competition, dealing with winning, dealing with losing and you soak it up so much at a young age and learn very fast."

Hide Caption

14 of 14

EXPAND GALLERY

And Sloane Stephens said it hadn't bothered her two hoots. Here she was fighting her heart out to stay as the world No. 1 and defend her grand slam title -- at just 23 years of age.

If the crowd had stopped booing for long enough, they might have seen she played some frankly brilliant tennis. What happened to marveling at excellence?

Homegrown talent doesn't fare much better, though. He's still some way from a grand slam title, but 20-year-old Bernard Tomic got further than any other Australian player at the opening grand slam of the year.

He beat eventual winner and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic just a couple of weeks ago as well. But my taxi driver on Thursday told me he was rubbish.

Cast your mind back too, to the early days of Ian Thorpe's swimming career, and the pressures he faced at just 15, after becoming the youngest male world champion.

But if you can't win by winning, you'd think they back the underdog. But no, that doesn't always seem to be the case either.

Australian rugby fan Andrew Marmont on sports website Roar gives us a list of things he'd rather do instead of watching the Wallabies get beaten by the All Blacks -- again.

It includes vacuuming, and washing the car. I'm a woman, and I'll take the sport every time. Why not throw a party, sing your heart out and marvel in plucky failure once again. The Brits have been doing it for years.

Take Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards -- the first British ski-jumper at the Winter Olympics. In 1988 he became a national hero -- as a loser.

It's not just Australia though. Spain and Italy have some of the most passionate, positive football supporters in the world. Until their teams lose two or three games. Then watch the tide turn.

But I suppose at least they care.

I found a trip to the basketball in Miami to be one of the strangest sporting experiences of my life.

It was the Heat against the Clippers in early 2007. Quite a big game at the time. But you wouldn't have known it inside the American Airlines Arena. Fans turned up as and when they liked, or popped their heads in for a quarter, and then headed back to the popcorn stand. Very odd.

They've definitely got passion here. I saw that up close and personal as a few hundred Sydney FC fans arrived in Melbourne to see their team take on Melbourne Victory. You could hear their songs from half a mile away as they approached the ground.

And I have to say, Alessandro Del Piero told me he's loving the fans here. He joked that he's being asked for about a thousand autographs a day since his move from Serie A to the A-League. But he doesn't mind because he's being asked nicely. I'll give them that.

The thing about Australia is that on the whole, it loves sport. The people know sport. They have a lot of it here. Not just the Australian Open tennis, but cricket, F1's Australian Grand Prix, horse racing's Melbourne Cup, Aussie Rules Football, rugby league, and soccer's A-League.

What I don't understand is that there's so much to celebrate. But maybe when you have a horse like Black Caviar, human endeavor is just never going to be good enough.

PS. This is no reflection of the welcome I've had during my time in Australia! I've had a truly wonderful visit -- and very much look forward to coming back soon!